Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 682,800 MORE OF YOU BY 2031

    Overall employment in computer and information technology is expected to grow 15% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all other occupations.

  • SECURITY JOBS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 35%

    As cybersecurity threats increase, more information security analysts are needed to develop protections against hackers and cyberattacks. The U.S. expects to add 56,500 information security analyst jobs by 2031.

  • EARN OVER $95,000 PER YEAR

    The average salary for workers in this field is $97,430, which is over twice the average salary for all occupations ($45,760).

Our Research

This list features some of the best online computer science programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission and Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online computer science programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 61 Online Computer Science Programs

Best Computer Science Programs 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
Baker College
01
Best Public Institution
George Mason University
01
Best Private Institution
Bellevue University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Central Texas College
01
Most Affordable
Colorado State University Global
01
Best Catholic Institution
DePaul University
01
Best Faculty
Columbia University in the City of New York
01
Most Specialized Program
Davenport University
01
Most Flexible Admissions
Franklin University
01
Best Electives
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
01

Front Range Community College
01

Georgia Institute of Technology
01

University of West Florida
01

University of Minnesota at Twin Cities
01

Ivy Tech Community College
01

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals
01

Keiser University
01

Peirce College
01

Kennesaw State University
01

Lakeland Community College
01

Lone Star College System
01

National University
01

Park University
01

New Jersey Institute of Technology
01

King University
01

North Carolina State University at Raleigh
01

Northern Virginia Community College
01

NSU Florida College of Computing and Engineering
01

Penn State World Campus
01

UMass Lowell
01

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
01

Regis University
01

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
01

Rio Salado College
01

Saint Leo University
01

Central Washington University
01

Seminole State College of Florida
01

South Texas College
01

Old Dominion University
01

Southern New Hampshire University
01

Indian River State College
01

Stanford University
01

Colorado State University
01

Syracuse University
01

California State University
01

University of Maine at Augusta
01

Arizona State University
01

UMass Global
01

University of Illinois Springfield

What You Should Know About This Degree

Computer literacy is an essential skill these days, but earning a degree in computer science requires a range of abilities beyond general computing knowledge. Coursework relies heavily on understanding mathematics, technology, and coding language as well as having strong analytical, problem-solving, and concentration skills. It’s important to determine if you have the right aptitudes and temperament for this complex area of study.

A bachelor’s degree makes you eligible for most jobs in the computer science field, although some positions require the advanced knowledge of a master’s degree. You may want to factor in this additional education when deciding if this is the right degree for you. Because of the specialized nature of this field, most master’s programs want students who already have a degree or prerequisite coursework in computer science.

If you’re looking to work with computers and information technology in a particular sector like finance, biology, or management, having educational experience in that area as well may be beneficial. At the undergraduate level, you can take a concentration, minor, or second major; at the graduate level, you may want to consider an MBA instead of an MS. Consider what your ultimate career goals are and if a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science is the correct step to get you there.

What’s Next?

Ask these questions when selecting an online computer science degree:

  • Do I need a Bachelor’s in computer science to be eligible for this master’s program? Because of the highly specialized nature of this field, most computer science master’s programs expect applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or at least prior coursework in computer science. Make sure you meet eligibility requirements for the program, or you can complete them prior to enrolling.
  • Does this program have the specialization I want? Many computer science degree programs cover a range of related skills, but some offer specializations in areas like information security, software engineering, and data management and analysis. If you know you want to focus on a specific area within computer science, check to see if the program you’re exploring offers that type of specialization.

Once you’ve found the programs that interest you, research their application processes and requirements. This information is typically available on the program’s webpage; you can also contact the program directly if you have questions.

Financing your education is another important consideration. Research scholarship opportunities and financial aid deadlines. If you are currently employed, check with your employer to see if tuition remission/reimbursement benefits are available.

Find Your Degree